Hajj Pilgrimage Unites Over Million Muslims in Mecca

The 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, began in Mecca with over a million Muslims undertaking this sacred annual journey, which lasts until June 9. The timing of Hajj is determined by the lunar Islamic calendar, beginning on the eighth day of Dhul Hijjah, with dates based on the sighting of the crescent moon in Saudi Arabia, leading to shifting dates each year relative to the Gregorian calendar. Pilgrims perform a series of religious rituals centered around the Kaaba at the Great Mosque, where prayers are oriented, and astronomical phenomena like the sun passing directly overhead the Kaaba play a practical role. The pilgrimage is a profound spiritual experience, offering Muslims a chance to seek forgiveness and unity with the global Muslim community, despite challenges such as extreme heat in some years. Enhancing the pilgrimage experience, the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet's Biography and Islamic Civilization in Mecca offers immersive exhibits that deepen understanding of Islamic history and the Prophet Muhammad's life. The Hajj continues to be a unifying event, with millions participating worldwide in this once-in-a-lifetime religious obligation.